Dr.Salim Ali (1896 - 1987) Known as the "Birdman of India", Dr.Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali's name was synonymous with birds to everyone. A great visionary, he made birds a serious pursuit when it used to be a mere fun for the most.

Salim Ali had to struggle through many years of unemployment and hardship during the early years of his career. If fate had not helped out at the right time, the famous birdman might have ended up as a disgruntled businessman or office manager.Salim Ali tried to get job as an ornithologist with the Zoological Survey of India but since he did not have an M.Sc or Ph.D, having abandoned his studies after a B.Sc in zoology from St. Xavier's College, the post went to someone else. Salim Ali decided to study further after he managed to get a job of a guide lecturer at the newly opened natural history section of the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai. He realised that it was important to pursue further studies if he wanted to take up ornithology as a profession rather than a part time interest in between office jobs. He proceeded on a study leave to Germany where he got trained under Professor Stresemann, an acknowledged ornithologist.After India's Independence from the long British rule, Salim Ali took over the BNHS.

It was the sincerity of conviction that had won him awards and medals from all over the world. Recognition came late to him but it came abundantly. He received numerous awards including the J.Paul Getty International Award, the Golden Ark of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the golden medal of the British Ornithology Union (A rarity for non-British) and a Padma Shree and Padma Vibhushan from the Indian Government, 3 honorary Doctorates and numerous other awards. An unlikely parliamentarian, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1985. Dr. Ali's experience and knowledge was respected. His timely intervention saved the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and the Silent Valley National Park. Dr Salim Ali passed away in 1987 at the age of 91, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. But despite all the fame and adulation showered upon him, Dr. Ali remained what he was as a nine year old - an ever curious person with a passion for birds.